Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly prepared to give his blessing for Kevin De Bruyne to leave the club next summer, according to recent reports.
City are enduring a challenging period, with Guardiola’s side losing five consecutive matches across all competitions, including three straight defeats in the Premier League. Their most recent setback came in a shocking 4-0 home loss to Tottenham Hotspur, further fueling speculation about a squad overhaul.
### De Bruyne’s Potential Departure
Amid this turbulent form, several key players, including De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, Ederson, and Kyle Walker, have been linked with potential exits. De Bruyne, 33, is out of contract at the end of the season and has started just four Premier League matches this term due to injury struggles.
The Belgian midfielder previously stated that he had paused contract negotiations after sustaining an injury earlier in the season. Speaking in a press conference, De Bruyne admitted uncertainty about his future:
*”I honestly don’t know. At the start of the season, I knew talks would happen, but then the injury happened. It was supposed to be a few days, and it turned into eight or nine weeks. I put everything on hold.”*
De Bruyne added that he’s focused on regaining full fitness and is not rushing to make a decision:
*”I need to be back on the pitch and feel like myself again. There’s no rush, and I’m not uncomfortable or worried.”*
### Guardiola’s Stance
Guardiola has also weighed in on the situation, expressing confidence in De Bruyne’s honesty regarding his decision:
*”I don’t know what will happen. Kevin will decide by himself, as David Silva and others did. I’m sure he will be straightforward about it. He wants to finish here, this season or the next, at his best.”*
Reports from Spain now suggest Guardiola has given the green light for De Bruyne’s departure. While the midfielder does not need Guardiola’s approval to leave on a free transfer, the manager is reportedly “ready to give his blessing.”
The reports indicate Guardiola believes De Bruyne’s best years are behind him and that his current form does not justify a new long-term contract. Additionally, there are concerns that the player may no longer feel fully motivated to remain a key part of City’s ambitious project.
### Squad Refresh Plans
As City consider life after De Bruyne, they are reportedly planning a squad refresh over the next few transfer windows. According to *Football Insider*, Guardiola is eyeing a surprise move to re-sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.
Delap, who left City in the summer to join newly-promoted Ipswich, has impressed with six Premier League goals this season. City are said to be “keeping tabs” on the 21-year-old’s progress, as Guardiola looks to reshape his squad for the future.
While the potential departure of De Bruyne would mark the end of an era, it signals a transitional phase for Guardiola’s Manchester City as they look to maintain their dominance both domestically and in Europe.
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